Swifty

Let's get straight to it.
This year, we'll be conducting an official 2008 WickedFire Case Study. The goal of this is to get 15 newbies here at WickedFire on the right track and earning some money. Those of you who wish to participate will need to reply here in this thread with the following requirements. You must have:

A domain name that you will use for the case study:

Recommendations -

NameCheap - WinterFever coupon ($8.41 domain/free WhoisGuard)
Godaddy - CJCDEAL12 coupon ($6.95 domain)
Moniker - $10.49 domains

A hosting account:

Recommendation -

HostGator - ICEISHOT coupon ($9.94 off [first month $0.01])

Barebones WordPress installed (with a theme)

Fantastico (in your hosting account) allows for a quick click install, but have the .zip for yourself, which you can download from:
WordPress Download (WordPress › Download)
WordPress Themes (themes.wordpress.net)
If you have any questions regarding the barebones installation of WordPress on your host, feel free to ask for help in this thread.

A niche. Chances are, if you have a domain name, you've decided on a niche (not necessarily, but likely)

If you can't think of a niche, it may be a good idea to choose one concerning the Spring season:

Spring Clothing
Gardening
Spring Accessories
Flowers

An Adsense/Yahoo Publisher Network Account and/or
An Ad Network Campaign for your niche (Copeac, Neverblue Ads, etc). Preferred, but optional

Commitment

Those are the things that you must have ready before replying that you wish to participate. It is preferred that you have $100 - $150 per month to spend on your campaigns for this case study. The goal here will be to teach you how to make money, so it shouldn't be a problem earning it back.

You have one week to reply in this thread stating that you wish to participate. It is not guaranteed that everyone who asks will be accepted. We will be judging based on your behavior here on the forum and whatever else we have seen of your work ethic. If you are not well known here, feel free to say why you think you should be allowed into the case study. The current set limit is at 15. That means that we will be accepting 15 committed newbies to join in, and after that, doors are closed, until further notice. If you are not accepted, do not feel bad about it. There are plenty of threads here on the public forum that you can learn from. Continue to read and apply, and you'll still be light years ahead of plenty of the other newbies across the internet.

To clear uncertainty, this case study will take place in a private section of the forum. After 15 committed members have been notified of, and accepted, their acceptance, they will be invited to join, and we will carry out our sessions. You can expect to see myself, SEO_Mike, GeekCognito, MKrongel, MyOwnDemon, AdJumpCM, and Aequitas guiding you along (among other moderators and guides who will be joining) with this. With that said, get prepared and get in. If you have questions concerning this pre-case study, please ask here.

Uzzz

i like earning monies. I'm game.

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AdJumpCM

I encourage anyone who's hesitant or unsure of how to get started to join. We are expecting a wide range of people, from complete newbies to people who know the ropes a bit. There are a lot of experienced and dedicated people working on this case study to make it happen and make it work, so please only enter it if you are committed to it.

__________________
OurFreeStuff.net - Over 500 offers (USA, CAD, UK, AU, and international) and accurate tracking. Come see why plenty of WickedFire members use us.

AIM: cmartelcdnspnsrs
YAHOO: cmartel_canadiansponsors
MSN: [email protected]
E-MAIL: [email protected]

cyberworkspace

well, as i missed last years case study i take my chances to apply for this one. sounds very interesting and although i already learned a thing or two already from wickedfire, i still consider myself a noob as i have not setup any site for monetization yet, except for some minor and irrelevant attempts.

as one of my good intentions for 2008 has been to finally get some money-making affiliate site up and running, i am really looking forward to participate in this

__________________
Make money playing against me @ My Daily Stock Market Bet. Or just visit thecoolestblogontheplanet.com. Or have fun with Chuck Norris Jokes.

mckay

I'd like to be considered for this project. I know I haven't posted that much, but I've been testing the waters with all the info that I read here since my first day as a member. Also, I have the technical background, I just need the right direction in AM.

mckay

MyOwnDemon

Like Swifty and Cam said, we got some good guys here with solid backgrounds willing to help out the inexperienced newbies get started on the right money making path.

We'll be working with 15 of you guys on a personal level to make sure everyone is happy, everyone is learning, and most importantly - everyone is making money. So, if you can devote serious time and effort into this, apply now before the slots fill up, and I assure you, they will fill up fast.

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jstme

so is this a how to or just we will help monitor your campaign? Will it cover a few aspects of IM or focus on 1 thing? While I am not a noob at im....I still have alot to learn, I earn ok but it's more of the throw shit at the wall and see what sticks method. If I fit the bill, I'm game for it.

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AdJumpCM

The concept of this case study is to basically do the following:

+ Create a website/blog and monetize it with AdSense/YPN and affiliate offers
+ Learn SEO/basic promotion to generate traffic to said website/blog
+ Post continual updates and help each other out. People with expertise in certain areas (SEO, content, PPC, etc.) will help direct the study.
+ Revenue will be made, prizes for the top performer will be given.

In reality, all you need is a will and drive to want to learn how to succeed and we're literally handing you a proven and workable method.

__________________
OurFreeStuff.net - Over 500 offers (USA, CAD, UK, AU, and international) and accurate tracking. Come see why plenty of WickedFire members use us.

AIM: cmartelcdnspnsrs
YAHOO: cmartel_canadiansponsors
MSN: [email protected]
E-MAIL: [email protected]

Swifty

It will be a how to, and help in monitoring the progress of your website. It will cover a few aspects of IM, and some will be focused on more specifically than others. If you already have all of the requirements listed, then yes you're eligible.

Choller

I'm applying. Would like to learn more from you guys. I'm not a noob but no expert neither and i feel like going through this case study will help me improve other aspects that i'm not good at (or not so experienced).

mcolella

I am up for this... I've been preparing for the last 6 months trying to figure everything out. Although I have a full time job - I have 30-40hrs per week to spend on IM, mostly been reading so far. Here's where I'm at:

I've got 12 domains at namecheap related to babies, dating, fitness/weightloss. Have a HostGator account. Wordpress install is on my list of things to do over the next week.

I've got an adwords/adsense, yahoo, and msn account. I just got accepted at CPA Empire and Neverblue... still waiting on Azoogle.

Have basic knowledge of photoshop, SEO, HTML + CSS and I'm very slowly getting started on PHP. I've built one site by coding html with a text editor. About 2 months experience with PPC, just direct linking to clickbank.

I've made $5 on adsense and about $300 net using PPC-> clickbank so far. Looking to ramp up with multiple sites and get into some CPA.

I have the budget and will do the work required - I would very much appreciate a chance to partcipate.

Mike

DelJean

I'd like to help out. I've done pretty well with blogging and content generation over the past four years, and I'd be happy to give back some of that by helping a newbie in this area.

invisible777

I would like to be a part of this Case Study. I started affiliate marketing in August, so in the grand scheme of things I'm still a newbie and still very much learning the ropes, but all the same I have a good deal of knowledge with PPC, web design, basic web development and basic stat tracking / analytics.

I can certainly devote the time, energy and money for this case study.

cjtowner

I'll participate!

BrooklynBlue

Wow, this sounds like an amazing opportunity! I'd love to apply.

I'm new here, so have no WF track record, but see my introduction post for background. I don't have any experience as a webmaster or internet marketer, but I do have technical chops and a strong resume to demonstrate that I'm driven, organized, and a proven high achiever. (I will provide a scrubbed version in private if requested by an organizer)

Two niches I have already done preliminary research on and feel comfortable to get started on:
1. A video game niche with fairly weak existing competition but relatively low volume right now. However, I think it's poised for some real activity this spring. (have domain, no hosting yet)
2. A hard alcohol niche with very little competition but may be difficult to monetize due to AdWords/AdSense TOS and lack of affiliate opportunities outside of Amazon and eBay. I have a lot of knowledge here and enough prior networking in the area that I could hopefully bring some really unique content. (domain, hosting, and WP in place. no content)

Two additional niches I have brainstormed a bit and think they hold promise but need to do more due diligence.
1. Individual health insurance in the U.S. Already heavy competition I imagine, but I can come up with good content and know the landscape well. Need to research monetization opportunities and how hard it will be to rank. (have domain, no hosting)
2. A men's luxury goods niche with weak blog competition, very strong forums presence. (no domain yet). Need to narrow down probably but could be promising depending on what aff opps could be uncovered.

So I need to do the following:
1. Narrow down which niche to focus on. Eventually I want to try all four, but advice on which to use for the case study would be welcome.
2. Set up hosting if not already in place (can be done in a few minutes)
3. Set up an AdSense/YPN account.
4. Set up some more network accounts. I have Copeac And ClickBank but haven't done jack yet.
4. Money to fund this isn't a problem. I'll budget $500/mo.

Catt

I am not a total newb to AM, I am doing okay with DTM and Adwords, but I really need to expand my efforts. I usually just get caught up managing my campaigns on a daily basis and then putting new ones up, it's okay but I want to broaden my base and focus.

It would be very interesting to take part in this and to be more active in this forum.

I have hosting, several domain names, adwords account, and an account with one affiliate network.

No adsense account as yet.

Am I eligible?

ZeroOne

How much time does something like this require, say per week?

IamTHErabbit

Hi,

I would really appreciate being considered for this. I am new here but am committed to making a serious career out of Internet marketing. I work a normal 40+ hour day job but have still been putting in at least 30 hours per week on trying to build a profitable, sustainable income from Internet marketing. See this thread for more details on what I am currently working on - A Newb With a Plan

I see this an invaluable opportunity to learn from some genuine, no bullshit professionals.

Rockpile

OK Im in. I've got everything required.

jsimps

I would like to join this too. I have done IM for about 6 months and have had some success but want to step up to the next level.

holrthnthou

I would like to participate as well. I have learned some concepts, made about $50 in adsense in an year, which is really $0 since I don't get paid until $100.

I have been reading a lot and trying to get the concepts clear in my head.

Anyway, I have hosting, domain and all that stuff. Would love to be considered.

RockDiesel

I would love to be considered for participation in this case study.

I have been trying to make money online for the past 2 years, but all my efforts really only ended up with pocket change.

I flipped domains, but I bought more bad ones than good ones, so kept ending up in the negative.

I tried PPC and blew my budget in a week.

I tried bum marketing, but after 2 weeks I found it boring and not worth the effort.

I have a few blogs that make me about a total of 50 cents a day.

I tried running a proxy, but never even recouped my hosting costs (I'm prolly the only person that can't make money on a proxy)

I am the guy the reads too much about making money online, but doesn't make money online. I would love to pay the rent one month with money I made online. I would also like to quit being the guy that says "Why didn't I think of that". I really hope you consider for your case study because I am determined to make a lot more money online this year.

cegeland

I would definitely like to participate in the case study. I have a server, some domains (will look at getting more) and can install WordPress without any problems when needed. I have been trying unsuccessfully so far to have a few successes with affiliate marketing.
I am not looking to get rich quick am hard working and am dedicated to projects I am on.
I am familiar with css, photoshop, different content management systems and have some experience with ppc and seo. I am looking to acquire new skills that will help me stop living paycheck to paycheck and after I figure things out would like to help others in my situation.
I have an adsense, adwords and yahoo search marketing account and was looking at signing up with Copeac tonight.

RockDiesel

I just posted explaining why I want to participate in this case study, but it has disappeared from the thread. I have all the requirements and I am sick and tired of not being able to break past the 50 cents a day mark. I envision one day being able to pay my rent with the money I make online. I am determined to make an income online this year. With the proper guidance I have no doubt that I could become very profitable in affiliate marketing. Please consider me for this case study.

Jondoe0069

Sign me up! I have everything required. I'm a 1 year old newb, but I'm still newb at a lot of things.

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(#)(#)

zylotron

Decent offer lads, love to give it a shot.

There are heads out there who would literally break legs to get in on this.

Classic.

ck256

I would like to participate in the case study and meet all of the requirements above. Have been lurking on the board, trying things here and there, but would like to jumpstart my efforts through learning and working with some of the leaders on the board.

outkast

I have all the requirements and am able and willing to learn. I have not posted but been a lurker since I joined. Trying to read as much as possible. I have a strong work ethic (currently active in the military for 9+ years) and my family couldnt come with me this transfer so I have a lot of time on my hands. thx for the opportunity.

Jaime

outkast

Btw I already own several domains, have hosting account, wordpress, budget and accounts with adwords/adsense, Copeac, Neverblue, cj and Azoogle. Have not made any currently in the -$ wise due to just been testing ppc.

lylaster

I'd like to join and meet the requirements.

I know a little bit about affiliate marketing. I've launched about 5 offers so far and lost/broke even on all of them. I'm not just going to read the stuff but I'll actually apply it and learn from it.

somlor

I would love to be accepted into this. I currently make my money doing web design but have been really been chomping at the bit to get involved with affiliate marketing, and having been reading WF with much interest for the past few months.

I have several domains I've picked up over the years that I could use and I am open to purchasing others specifically for this project.
I have my own managed dedicated server.
I actually do a lot of Wordpress design professionally as a web developer so I can install and custom theme Wordpress quickly. I am also very familiar with utilizing Rentacoder for outsourcing work that is beyond my technical means (I'm not much of a programmer).
I have played around with a few niches and made a few bucks with weight loss, hosting and yoga products. Picking a niche is something I would really love a bit of help on. I have a subscription to Nichebot for keyword research.
I have a Yahoo Publisher account (as well as Google Adwords and MSN)
I have an account at Neverblue account (also Shareasale, Linkconnector, Commission Junction and The LinkShare network amongst others)
I have $100 - $200+ per month to invest in this and perhaps obviously much more if I start getting decent ROI.
I am committed to participating in this program fully, I really see this as a great opportunity and I learn/work really well when I have access to the encouragement of community and successful mentors.

Thanks for your consideration,
Sean

holrthnthou

would love to participate. I have all the required items. Looking to do some 'on the job training'

Herman's Millz

I would like to join (if there's room still)

I have a full time job, but i see the great potential in AM... and work on my campaigns every night when i get home from work.

I AM A TOTAL NEWB... I havent even heard about AM til November 2007 and launched my campaign with Azoogle and Ad Words in December 2007 after alot of research, and guidance from a good friend.. so far im at about $110 revenue (embarrased) but im making new changes and trying to test and optimize everyday. I know i will soon turn a profit!

Please teach me, Thanks in advance

Aequitas

It really depends even though we suggest that you have a budget of $100 to $150 per month to dedicate for this it isn't a strict requirement, you see you could start off with no money at all as long as you have a domain and a hosting account to work with but if you don't have anything to dedicate towards this then you have to realize and you'll have to be dedicated enough to put in every minute of your spare time to work at this and I don't just mean 20 minutes here and there I'm talking about sleeping 5 hours a night for the next few months because without the ability to outsource some of the things you'll have to do them by yourself and that takes time and a fair bit of time at that.

With that said I will be part of this along with the other experinced members around here and the goal is to get people started, its to give you a little boost and to share what we all know, we all personally know different aspects and even though you probably won't want to learn all our different skills you can at least have a variety to choose from weather it be learning to program, design, write copy, or learning core marketing aspects, it doesn't matter but what you will learn is how to get started making some real money online.

So for those of you 15 who are chosen we will be working closely with you, helping, and teaching you what we know along the way so I hope your dedicated and ready to advance your skills in the online world of making money.

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Dave_IL

I would definitely like to be considered, while doing some good I have never been able to break through a certain point.

I have fresh domains that I havent used yet, VPS at Liquidweb, and the ability to spend several hours a day working on these projects along with money to invest if needed.

Even if I am not picked I think it is very cool of those more experienced to share what they know with those on the way up.

Thanks for the opportunity!

Dave

jryan21

I know I am new around here, but I'd like to be considered for this.

Domain - Y
Hosting - Y
Wordpress experience - Y
Niche - Y (several possibilities)
Adsense - Y
Ad networks - Y (Linkshare, CJ and some others)
Commitment - Y ( I know what 18-hr days behind the screen are like)
$$ - I can put in a modest amount to begin with (like $75-$100/month, above the hosting costs), and also put in 100% of what is generated from this project for the first few months or so.

Strengths: Experience with mySQL and PhpMyAdmin, PHP, Apache, cPanel/WHM, CSS(Hacking up wordpress themes), DNS/domain type stuff. Also pretty good at reading server logs.

Weaknesses: Keyword analysis(although I can write, I find it challenging to write effective copy for SEO purposes), placement (with regards to getting inbound links) and template optimization ot maximize conversions.

eliquid

wow, what a great opportunity you are giving people here.

It is too bad it is limited to 15. I don't see a real reason why it is limited to 15 as what you are going to do is easily scalable to 150 people. I know you don't wanna make this like DP or something or overload the people wanting to help.

I myself would love to take on this project and learn from the senior members here, but what a challenge you have picking out 15 deserving people for this.

I meet all the requirements needed and have been a member at WF for awhile... even wrote a few good posts for people to learn from.

I hope to see you guys in Vegas, even if not picked I would like to hang out with everyone there.

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MyOwnDemon

It's limited to 15 so we can be assured those 15 people are going to be making money by the end of the case study. If we let too many people in, we won't be able to give everyone the attention they deserve. 15 people is easily manageable with our resources, which is why we chose that number.

And thanks to everyone who is applying. It appears we have alot of applications to sort through.

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dekalog6

Yes, I'd like to participate in this case study though I haven't contributed much since my adsense arbitrage threads and template.

kreator

Hey wickedgods, count me in. Cmon, Brazilian boobies anyone???

Seriously now, i will dedicate all the time i have to get on track and i make a commitment that once i do, i will give some time back to the community here with what ive learned, you guys know i will stand by my word. And i mean it. Even being from brazil, not having many resources (i can fill the requests thou) and english not being my primary language, i am a hard working and passionate person, just let me show it.

Thanks in advance for the opportunity, i will not waste it if i get it.

fredland40

I would like to be considered for the case study.

I have the requirements and am not a total noob, but I struggle with getting traffic and converting it - so I guess I am an advanced noob

Thanks,

Molly

blueoceanwave

I would like to participate, I have all of the requirements met and definitively have the desire to get this going.

Thanks

stack paper

I'm game. Have all of the requirements.

Let me know guys... This is just great ;D

__________________
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1600 Local / 1.00+ CPC NICHE-SPECIFIC EMDs - $40

http://www.wickedfire.com/sell-buy-t...affiliate.html

EXPLOIT THE CREDULOUS.

Phre0nBurn

I just scrolled down to this box... Is there still room?

I'd love to get in on this. I have 2 hosting accounts and I can always get another domain... I know how to get WP up and running and know the basics of all that stuff...

I can't say that I have $150/mo. guaranteed, but Ill do my best.

If there is still room, please let me know... I'd love this!

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Lucidity

I'd appreciate an invite.

To give you a sense of my level of motivation and commitment, here's my situation:

Just graduated college
Unemployed
$1000/month student loans kick in in 6 months
$800/month overhead starting now

I've been at this for a year now and learned a shitload, but the cash (outside of freelancing) hasn't come through much yet.

But at this point, I simply can't afford to half-ass anything I spend my time on. I need to be in 100% or not at all.

Jackeyy

Oh god am i too late =__=''. Anyways, I've discovered this forum about a month ago. And..i have to say, alot of people here are willing to help. So after reading and reading for a month i started my own website! I meet requirements!^^ game on!!

cegeland

I tried to post once but for some reason it didn't post my reply. I am fairly new to the boards and this is actually my first post as I mostly just read many of the other threads soaking up as much info as possible.
I am very interested in participating in the case study 2008. I know this isn't a get rich quick thing and that is why I want to participate because I will actually be learning information that will help years down the road. I am hard working and very dedicated to any project I have ever been on and I meet all the requirements currently set forth.
I have domain names, a server and am knowledgeable in using wordpress and a couple of other content management systems, I am experienced with css, keyword research as well I do have some prior experience in SEO and PPC. I am lacking in finding niches and could use help in that area.
Would love to join if permitted.

Swifty

This is still open for those who wish to join. We have yet to conduct the approval process, so continue to give your qualifications.

To reiterate - it is preferred that with your domain, and hosting, you have a Fresh installation of WordPress. We will be walking alongside you throughout this ordeal in order to show you the ropes in full.

Before posting for your approval in this thread, make sure that you already meet all of the requirements as stated in the first post. If you have questions, ask for help.

Phre0nBurn

I have a few domains, but probably nothing that would suit this very well, so I will wait until we see who gets in before I decide on a domain.

And as was said before, WP is extremely easy to install... If any of you need help, just ask.

But I meet all the requirements...
:: Jumps up and down :: Pick me, Pick me! haha

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Choller

Can't edit my post so i add some xtra info to post 10
I have domain and wordpress ready. I have the budget and time plus I know a little about everything (ppc/am/seo/etc etc). Not an active poster but i prefer to "do it fucking now" then to browse forums.